U2 Please (BASS TAB)
——————————————————————————————————————————

This Is one of mr claytons most effective sounding soung.
i have included both versions of the song both the album 
and single versions.  Both are great with the single version
having a much easier bassline.  I preform personally in my band 'Gin'
and in our cover of please i do a mixture of the two versions. so
its up to you how you choose to play these.  It dosent matter just 
have fun and keep on groovin to U2 basslines!

Intro: (both versions)

|—————————————————|—————————————————|  The amount of times repeated
|—————————————————|—————————————————|  before rests varies between
|———5———5—7—5—————|———5———5—————————|  versions. (just listen)
|—7———7———————7—5—|—7———7———0—2—3—5—|

THe album versions then just comes in and continues the intro riff.
The single version plays a lead up run first

(Album version)
|—————————————————|—————————————————|  
|—————————————————|—————————————————|  
|———5———5—7—5—————|———5———5—————————|  
|—7———7———————7—5—|—7———7———0—2—3—5—|

(single version)
|—————————|—————————————————|—————————————————|  
|—————————|—————————————————|—————————————————|  
|—————————|———5———5—7—5—————|———5———5—————————|  
|—0—2—3—5—|—7———7———————7—5—|—7———7———0—2—3—5—|

Those two are played during verses and chorus.  
Just listen for the breaks and be carefull with the 
timing (it sound really great if you get it right)

When the interlude comes we bassist have nothing to do so 
just sit back and let the guitarist have fun.

Now comes the hard part the single version as i said is
a lot easier so if you not real quick it is proberly best to 
use it until you can get the speed right.

(single version)

When bono sings please
|——————|——————|——————|
|——————|——————|——————|
|—5/14—|—5/12—|——————|
|——————|——————|—5/12—|

repeat that twice

Then play a Joshua tree style bassline using the root of the chord

|—————————————————|   * means repeat note.  Just continue on to the 
|—————————————————|    end of the song.
|—14*—12*—————14*—|
|—————————12*—————|

Now i think this is right but am proberly wrong but it sounds good
if in doubt jsut jam around the 12th and 14th frets on the a string

(Album version)
|—————————————————|    
|—————————————————|    
|—14—————12h14————|
|———12h14—————14——|

|——————————————————|    
|——————————————————|    
|——————————————————|
|—14p12h14p12p11p8—|

|——————————————————|    
|——————————————————|    
|——————————————————|
|—8—10—12—12—10p8——|

|—————————————————|    
|—————————————————|    
|—14—————12h14————|
|———12h14—————14——|

|—————————————————————|    And just repeat that line adding your  
|—————————————————————|    own subtle differences and alternating between
|—12h14p12h14—————————|    ending on 12 and 10.
|————————————14p12p10—|

|—————14—14——|    
|——16————————|   The very end bit 
|————————————|
|————————————|

Now if you think this wrong and know the correct tab Please,  send 
it to me ant questions contact me by email at the address below.  Also 
if you have any U2 tabs no available at the U2 Guitar archive.  Submit them
in to nathan.  Or send me bass tab.  keep on bassing!
     Mark

Tabbed by Mark Linwood


Hint suggesstions or comments to ([email protected])

About U2

U2 are a rock band from Dublin, Ireland. The group consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums and percussion).

How to Read Bass Tabs

Bass tablature (tabs) is an easy way to learn songs without needing to read traditional sheet music. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the symbols and techniques commonly found in tabs:

1. The Basics

Strings and Frets:
Each line in a tab represents a string on your bass:
- The top line is the highest-pitched string (G on a 4-string bass).
- The bottom line is the lowest-pitched string (E on a 4-string bass).
Numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press. For example:
```
G|-------------------|
D|-------------------|
A|---3---------------|
E|-------------------|
            
```
This means you play the 3rd fret on the A string.

2. Common Techniques

Hammer-On (h):
Play the first note by picking it, then press down on a higher fret with another finger without picking again.
```
G|-------------------|
D|-------5h7---------|
            
```
Pull-Off (p):
Pluck a note and then "pull off" your finger to let a lower fret ring.
```
G|-------------------|
D|-------7p5---------|
            
```
Slide (/ or \):
Move your finger up (/) or down (\) the fretboard while maintaining pressure.
```
G|-------------------|
D|-------5/7---------|
            
```

3. Advanced Techniques

Bend (b): Push the string up or down to raise the pitch. Example: G|-------7b9---------|
Vibrato (~): Shake the string slightly after playing a note to create a vibrating sound. Example: G|-------7~----------|
Muted Notes (x): Rest your finger lightly on the string without pressing a fret and pluck for a percussive "click" sound.

4. Rhythm and Timing

Tabs don’t always indicate timing, so listen to the song while reading the tab. Wider spaces between numbers mean longer pauses, while closer numbers indicate quicker notes.

5. Slap and Pop

Slap (s): Strike the string with the side of your thumb for a percussive sound.
Pop (p): Pull the string away from the fretboard and let it snap back.

Practice Makes Perfect

Tabs are a great tool to learn songs, but mastering the techniques takes practice. Listen carefully to the original track and play along to lock in the rhythm. Don’t rush — smooth, accurate playing is more important than speed. Happy jamming! 🎸

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U2 — Please bass tabs